It’s safe to say life in the northeastern Alabama city of Gadsden revolves around the river. The city was born on the Coosa River in the late 1800s, serving as an industrial hub and prominent trading point for steamboats passing through. "There really is that small town river feel with lots of acreage on the water," says Rachel Hicks, Associate Broker at Impact Realty Gadsden.
Today, this city of 33,000 serves as the county seat of Etowah County and offers residents easy access to outdoor recreation and a historic downtown district. Major employers include the Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Kock Foods. Although the area has experienced an economic downturn since the 1980s, development projects like Coola Harbor seek to bring in new commercial, residential, and employment opportunities.
Experience the best of Gadsden City! Enjoy fishing from a boat or the local pier, perfect for relaxation and fun. Prefer a scenic escape? Take a leisurely stroll along the river and soak in the beauty of nature. Embrace the vibrant community and make unforgettable memories right by the water!
Take you friend an doggie on a seado ride in Gadsden City with all it's access to the Coosa River.
1/2
Housing features a wide range of architectural styles
Gadsden features a wide range of single-family homes, with a median price of around $180,000. Waterfront property is available on the river, and many builds have private boat docks. Homes closer to the downtown feature craftsman-style architecture, while houses on the eastern side of town sit along heavily forested streets. "There's everything from old historic homes all the way up to new modern architectural designs," Hicks says.
Homes in Gadsden City offer a charming glimpse into the past, transporting you to a time when character and history were at the forefront of design.
Gadsden City boasts a charming collection of historic homes, each beautifully revitalized to blend timeless elegance with modern comforts.
1/2
Outdoor recreation and popular museums
Gadsden has multiple parks and community centers throughout the city, featuring amenities like riverside hiking trails, splash pads and athletic facilities. Noccalula Falls is a popular outdoor destination with a scenic 90-foot waterfall that cascades down the Black Creek Ravine. Hiking trails and miniature golf are also available here. The Gadsden Country Club and Twin Bridges Golf Club are frequent spots to spend an afternoon on the greens. Gadsden's cultural institutions include the Gadsden Museum of Art and the Mary G. Harden Center for Cultural Arts, which features a rotating display of national and local exhibits.
Experience the charm of Gadsden City, beautifully situated along the Coosa River. With several convenient boat launch areas, it’s the perfect destination for boating enthusiasts. Embrace the adventure and scenic beauty that Gadsden has to offer—your next great experience awaits on the water!
Experience the vibrant creativity at the Gadsden City Art Museum, where a talented local group of musicians invites you to join their open practice sessions. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy live music in a beautiful setting!
1/2
Downtown Gadsden is the place to shop and dine
Downtown Gadsden features everything from locally owned businesses like 5 Branded Broncs Western Co. to exhibits found at the Gadsden Museum of Art. While big-name retailers and grocery stores can be found on the eastern and southern ends of the city, many choose to shop the numerous resident-owned businesses. "Across town, you've got boutiques and local shops," Hicks says. "Shopping local is important here." In 2024, the city announced the development of Coosa Harbor, a $20 million mixed-use development that will bring shops, restaurants and condo units to the riverfront.
Discover the exceptional quality of leather goods at Gadsden City 5 Branded Broncos Western Company, where we cater to all your western needs. Experience the perfect blend of craftsmanship and style that will elevate your wardrobe and bring a touch of the West to your life!
The Gadsden City Museum of Art showcases a vibrant collection of local photography, capturing the unique spirit of the community. Best of all, admission is free, inviting everyone to explore and appreciate the talent on display!
1/2
Annual events bring Gadsden residents together
Gadsden hosts popular events throughout the year. The St. Patrick's Pub Crawl is a signature celebration for the city. "All the bars downtown open up, and they shut down the street," Hicks says. "You can go from bar to bar; they've got vendors on the street." First Friday is another popular gathering, offering an evening of live music, local food vendors and a classic car display.
National Blue Ribbon winning schools
Gadsden City Schools serves students and receives an overall rating of B-plus on Niche. Eura Brown Elementary School is a National Blue Ribbon award winner. Gadsden City High School also receives a B-plus rating and is ranked first for having the best public high school teachers in Etowah County by Niche. Westbrook Christian School and Coosa Christian School are highly rated private education options for parents to consider. Gadsden State Community College offers affordable associate and certificate degree programs and has transfer agreements with every public, four-year university in Alabama.
Gadsden City High School stands out as one of the premier educational institutions in Alabama, offering an exceptional learning environment that empowers students to achieve their full potential.
Elevate your future by pursuing your education at Gadsden State Community College! Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow and open doors to countless possibilities. Don’t miss out on the chance to invest in yourself and shape your path to success!
1/2
Well-connected transportation routes link to nearby cities
Gadsden sits at the confluence of multiple highways, including Interstate 59 and Interstate 759. Birmingham and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport are 62 miles away. Huntsville is around 73 miles to the north. The Gadsden Trolley System provides public transportation for commuters in the city.
Crime and Environment
Gadsden experiences four distinct seasons with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer months. The Coosa River poses some flooding risks, mainly for waterfront property. The Gadsden Police Department serves the city and has multiple special units, including the Multijurisdictional Dive Team, designed to perform search and rescue operations along the river. According to FBI data, the Gadsden Police Department reports higher levels of violent crime than the national average.
Written By
Beck Connelley
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
Video By
Peter Medawar
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rusty Glines,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Gadsden, AL sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Gadsden, AL over the last 12 months is $186,098, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Sibert Drive-Where elegance meets lifestyle on a sprawling 4 acre lot with lake views! This single-lvl charmer boasts a perfect open floorplan.High end finishes catch your eye in every detail. To name a few; Hrdwd floors, arched doorways, coffered & tray ceilings, 10 foot ceilings, and more. The gourmet kitchen provides granite countertops, island, farm sink, gas stove, wet bar, and
Discover the perfect opportunity to make this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home your own! Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this property offers a serene setting with no through traffic—ideal for peaceful living. The home features a comfortable living and dining room combination, a cozy family room, and plenty of space to customize to your taste. Enjoy a large, flat yard that’s perfect for
Experience luxury in this beautifully remodeled 3-bed, 2-bath home in desirable Northshore Village, just off Rainbow Drive. It is perfect for relaxation & entertainment featuring a charming sunroom with a wet bar, wine fridge, heated tile flooring, & elegant Hunter Douglas Pirouette blinds. The chef’s kitchen includes a 36” 6-burner professional gas range, an undermount microwave, custom Wellborn
Welcome to this spacious 2359 sqft home situated on approximately 0.42 acres, near Gadsden State Community College. This home offers a perfect blend of comfort, function, and charm. The interior features durable and easy to maintain LVP flooring throughout, bay windows that let in plenty of natural light, a large bonus room or den perfect for movie nights with the family or entertaining guests,
Great investment opportunity or starter home! This 3 bedroom, one bath home has a lot of potential! With a jump start on remodeling, it has new lvp flooring and carpet throughout, new kitchen countertops and appliances, 10 ft. ceilings, 4 porches, and more! Corner lot, within walking distance to St. James Catholic School. All measurements and school districts to be verified by buyer.
Have you always wanted to live somewhere that you can enjoy the great outdoors? Come visit Summer Waters and see that you can eat, sleep, work, and play in a community centered around the beautiful Coosa River! Our apartment homes offer the amenities you need, such as walk-in closets and sizable windows, along with views that are sure to make your friends jealous! Bring your four-legged friends,
Fully renovated apartments with new LVP flooring, new appliances, refinished cabinets, refinished countertops, and much more! Each apartment has washer/dryer hookups (can rent washer/dryers as well!) and a full range of appliances, including a dishwasher. The complex even has a POOL for tenant use.Chateau Apartments are conveniently located downtown Gadsden and are walking distance to
Welcome to Pine Ridge Apartments. Enjoy the serene nature pine forest setting, just minutes away from schools, churches, and shopping. Soak up the Alabama sunshine as you swim in our pool. We offer renovated apartments - with clean appliances, flooring, and countertops. We offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments with washer and dryer connections. Reach out to our leasing agent for rates and
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
